Amphenol PCD’s Rapid Part Development (RPD) process is the ability to rapidly design and deploy production ready parts using 3D printing technology.
Amphenol PCD’s RPD process expedites part development by 86% at 1/10th the cost of standard part development cycles, providing production ready parts in 4 weeks.
Amphenol PCD’s RPD process uses additive-manufactured molds in the place of standard steel molds. Additive manufactured molds work exactly like standard steel molds, using the same manufacturing processes and equipment. And unlike steel molds, which typically take 8-12 weeks to fabricate and test, additive manufactured molds are typically ready to for use in 2 weeks.
Amphenol PCD’s RPD additive manufactured molds allow for complex part features, with details as fine as .074 mm, perfect for many applications. Current cavity sizes support parts up to 50x50mm, with planned capability allowing up to 150x80mm, which is suitable for most part designs. Qualified materials include Nylon and glass filled Nylon, the most commonly used materials in aerospace wire management components. Support for high temperature PEEK and Ultem thermoplastics is in development.
Because Amphenol PCD’s RPD parts use standard materials, parts can be used immediately, either for qualification test or straight into production for already qualified designs. When higher volume, serial production parts are needed, parts built using steel molds to the same design & material parameters would simply require FAI style validation, without need for costly and time consuming re-qualification. Proven examples include Tie Down Strips, Bonded Bushings, Rectangular Clamps, and Lightening Hole Bushings. So if you are looking to rapidly develop and deploy new part designs, with minimal cost impact and reduced financial exposure, use Amphenol PCD’s Rapid Process Development (RPD) on your next project!
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